Covered Bridge Love: Jay Bridge

-the art of drawing solid objects on a two-dimensional surface so as to give the right impression of their height, width, depth, and position in relation to each other when viewed from a particular point.

-a particular attitude toward or way of regarding something; a point of view.

Perspective. There are an endless number of sayings about perspective. To me, perspective allows you to take a step back and see the light and wonder in all things.

I’ve always had a love for bridges. There is a deep admiration for the way their trusses, beautifully engineered, hold solid, sturdy and strong.

Even as a teenager in technology class, I loved bridges. My bridge even held the most weight in class too.(#mathlove) Design, beauty, structure, strength.

Covered bridges hold a special place in my heart. Historic storytellers, they are.

For the past year, I’ve been mapping out these bridges and planning excursions to visit them all over the East Coast. So much so, that I added Vermont’s Covered Bridges Half Marathon to my bucket list last year too.

It isn’t always about climbing mountains. Sometimes, it is about feeding your soul in other ways. Finding the light in all things.

In Liz Gilbert’sBig Magic, she states that:

“At times when my ego and soul are at war, I can always steady my life once more by returning to my soul. I ask it, “And what is it that you want, dear one?”

The answer is always the same: “More wonder, please.”

As long as I’m still moving in that direction- toward wonder- then I know I will always be fine in my soul, which is where it counts.”

Um, yes! Yes, yes, yes!

More wonder, more light, more perspective please…

So early on a Sunday morning this past November, I took a long, peaceful drive to the town of Jay to explore the historic covered bridge. Devoting time to quiet meditation does wonders for the soul.

When I arrived at the destination, mountain clouds covered the sky, as the sunrise filtered on through.

Jay Bridge is one of 29 covered bridges in New York, and one of only 2 in the Adirondacks.

The first bridge in this location was destroyed by flooding in 1856. The bridge was rebuilt in 1857 using a Howe truss design. In the 1950s, a truck fell through the floor of the bridge, so a replacement steel bridge was constructed down the road. This is the original bridge that was restored for pedestrians and cyclists. (and your occasional dog walker).

The wooden trusses underneath were impressive and incredible to see!

History documented and preserved…

Birch trees, delicate blessings…

“One’s destination is never a place; but a new way of seeing things.“- Henry Miller

The Ausable River…yes, find the light in all things.

Mountain wind clears the mind and cleanses the soul.

“Blessed are they who see beautiful things in humble places where other people see nothing.” -Camille Pissarro

“Never underestimate the power of perspective…it can change everything.” -Living Life